Wales make two personnel changes for World Cup finale against Australia

Tom Brindle has made two personnel changes to Wales' squad ahead of their final 2026 Rugby League World Cup Pool A match against reigning champions Australia on Sunday, 1 November (04:40 GMT). The game completes Wales' debut campaign at the tournament.

Wales lost their opening Pool A fixtures 70-6 to England and 76-0 to Samoa. Hooker Jasmine Gibbons will miss the Australia match after failing a head injury assessment late in the Samoa defeat. Across those two games Wales have conceded 146 points. Wales played their first official international in 2021 and this match represents only their 16th fixture.

Dual-code international Ffion Lewis has been named to replace Amberley Ruck at stand-off, while Carys Marsh moves from the interchange bench into the starting hooker role. Lucia Davies could make her first appearance of the tournament from the bench, and Dani McGifford returns as the 18th player after missing out last week.

The starting line-up selected is Leanne Burnell, Zoe Heeley, Jade Mullen, Hannah Bluck, Siân Williams, Ffion Lewis, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Carys Marsh, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis, Bethan Dainton (capt). The interchanges named are Kathryn Salter, Erin Williams, Gracie Hobbs and Lucia Davies, with reserves Amberley Ruck, Frances Layton, Hollie Brussels and Katie Carr.

Australia have conceded none in the tournament and are bidding for a fourth straight World Cup title. They kept England and Samoa at bay; England and Samoa each scored at least 13 tries against Wales, while Australia have scored 118 points of their own. The Jillaroos have lost one international since 2016.

Wales will face Australia in their final 2026 Rugby League World Cup fixture on Sunday, 1 November (04:40 GMT), concluding their Pool A schedule.